A GUTSY family is climbing the Alps in true Von Trapp style in memory of a teenage friend to raise money for a charity that aims to stop young deaths.

Linda and Gottfried Panzer and their son, Christian, 17, were close friends of Tom Clabburn, who died three years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition, aged only 14.

Since then Tom's family and friends have raised more than £30,000 for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry) and sponsored local screenings.

The Panzers, of Gumleigh Road, Ealing, who will have a local guide for the 78-mile trip from July 12 to 19 and helicopter insurance in case they need to be rescued, are looking forward to the challenge with mixed feelings.

Linda, 46, a book-keeper and market researcher taking an Open University degree in human genetics and forensic science, said: "We were talking about Hannibal crossing the Alps and what a great thing it would be for my 50th birthday and then we thought what a fantastic opportunity it would be to raise funds for Tom, whose 18th birthday would be this year.

"Gottfried is fit and cycles to work every day and runs. I do sporadic runs and so far our practice has been an 11-mile hike through Wimbledon Common and Richmond park with a backpack.

"We were like 90-year-olds when we got back. We will be crossing

three countries. There will be six to eight hours of walking a day and it will be a proper challenge, with basic huts to camp in.

"We do need poles and wet gear and I have visions of being swept off a mountain, but at least we have helicopter insurance. We also hope to visit Otzi, the 5,000-year-old preserved ice man."

They will also be joined by two friends from Warwickshire and Gottfried's 75-year-old work colleague from Heston.

Linda also hopes the climb will be an uplifting experience for the family. Linda, who is leaving her two youngest children, Isabella, seven and Alexandra, six, with friends, said: "I am hoping it will be memorable for us as a family because we won't get this time again with Chris as a teenager.

"It's time to spend with the

people I love."

The Panzers, who became friendly with Tom and his family through Little Ealing School, were devastated at his sudden death.

Linda said: "Tom was in and out of our house and the boys went camping and had sleepovers.

"Tom and Chris also had a Saturday job at Gottfried's opticians, polishing glasses. It was a terrible shock when he died. I don't think Chris believed it until the funeral and then he withdrew quite a lot.

"Tom was a really special child. He was such a joy to be with. I don't think I ever saw him grumpy. He had something about him; one of those people who might change the world." **To sponsor the Panzers and their group, see justgiving.com/ tommountainwalk.